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Steele takes shot at AMA's credibility

By Eric Zimmermann - 10/05/09 01:27 PM ET

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele took a shot at the American Medical Association (AMA) on Monday, saying the organization doesn't have "credibility" on healthcare reform.

"The AMA is — does not have the credibility on this healthcare issue, as they would like to project," Steele said on "Fox and Friends" Monday morning.

Steele was trying to downplay the significance of the AMA's support for the House healthcare bill(s), but the timing of the chairman's remarks was a little awkward. The RNC held a conference call this morning touting the support of former AMA President Donald Palmisano.

Steele's comments also hint at a strange twist in the healthcare debate. The AMA has traditionally opposed major healthcare reform, and has been an ally of Republicans on issues like tort reform.

The association came out in opposition to a public option earlier this summer, though it still supports the bulk of Democratic-sponsored reform.

Source:
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/61653-steele-takes-shot-at-ama
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Comments (15)

Michael Steele isn't just an idiot…he's a blithering idiot. Steele is the the gift that just keeps on giving…to the Dems.BY Joseph on 10/05/2009 at 16:40
He's right. I saw it on Fox, so it must be true.BY Katie on 10/05/2009 at 16:50
Lets see, the AMA has no credibility because they support the Obama health care plan.Senators Dole, Baker and Frist, all Republicans and all former Majority or Minority leaders of the republican party support the President's health care plan.Every Democrat supports the Presidents health care planA majority of the country voted for President Obama and the democrats to enact the health care plan just 11 months ago.Perhaps the republicans ought to figure out that its time to get in the game.BY Jerry on 10/05/2009 at 17:14
The AMA represents 18% (less that one-fifth) of American physicians. It has a right to make its position known. However, let no one infer that this support represents the opinion of "doctors" in the US.BY Arthur on 10/05/2009 at 17:55
So Mr. Steele, if the AMA does not have credibility with respect to healthcare, then who does? You? LOL you sir are a joke.BY JN7854 on 10/05/2009 at 17:59
The AMA does not speak for the majority of physicians in this country. Many have dropped out.BY Marianne T. Centanni on 10/05/2009 at 19:42
The AMA may have had the support of 18% of all doctors at last count. However, I would not be suprised if that number has not significantly eroded. One can always find physicians willing to suck-up to the president… and this event is no different - only a photo-op. The government is forcing more and more procedures to be performed at hospitals which can raise costs to 4x what a similar procedure might cost in a physicians office. Quality of medical care will be eroded as further government intervention is forced on the system.BY BerkLee on 10/05/2009 at 20:20
Mr. Steele is absolutely correct. AMA does not support most practicing physicians. If you haven't seen all the individual specialties making their positions known, you have been asleep.BY bbcmd on 10/05/2009 at 21:13
Noone even knew who Michael Steele was until he wascrowned head of the RNC. He must have been very miserable as an "unknown", because now he's makingup for it big time. Wouldn't be surprised to see Steelerun for office soon. He certainly loves the limelight.BY Allen on 10/05/2009 at 21:34
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2009/09/doctors_support_the_public_opt.htmlMore than 70% of doctors support a public option or a single payer system. "There was virtually no difference between their (AMA's) membership and other respondents to the poll."BY akindependent on 10/05/2009 at 22:25

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